Monday, August 27, 2007
Disney Vacation Recap
Finally, I have updated our blog. Be sure to scroll from the bottom to the top to get the whole affect. I'll do a recap here, just incase you start reading from this point. I wish I could have posted all 311 pictures but that's impossible. I tried to pick some of the best ones! Hunter & Tyler were the camera hogs, Michael gave in when begged and you just had to sneak a picture of Dillon any way you could.... Enjoy............
First let me begin my recap by saying: Disney is the most magical place in the world. It ment alot for me to be able to take our family on this vacation. It has been a dream of mine from the moment I found out that I was pregnant with Michael. We are truely blessed to have been able to go on this vacation and I can only hope that my children will treasure it for a life time.
We began planning our trip a year ago. I made a budget and did alot of research. Mom & Dad gave us this wonderful book all about Disney. It had very useful tips and full of information from planning your day, to where to eat and how to NOT stand in line for rides. I talked to friends and found out their likes and dislikes of their trip to Disney, took notes and started compiling all the information. Suzanne and I sat down and went over everything. Finally in Feburary, we booked our trip. It was in stone! A month or so later we made dinner reservations at all the resturants people had recommended. That was very helpful. Several weeks before our trip, our tickets arrived and I knew soon we would be on our way! I was the most excited as I am a theme park junkie. I want to be there when it opens and dragged out when they shut the gates!
Our departure day started at 3:00am. My alarm woke up the boys and they in turn work me up with "hurry mom, get up, we can't miss the plane". Up on my feet and straight to the shower. We were at Mark & Suzanne's around 3:45, headed to RDU. We stopped for breakfast as the traffic was minimal and we were right on schedule. The traffic jam started at the airport. I've never seen so many people up so early! ughhhh... security had long lines, but it wasn't a problem because we had planned for it, hoping that it wouldn't be like it was.
Our plane ride was smooth.. no problems. Hunter & Michael told Dillon & Tyler everything they needed to know as they were now "flying" experts after their trip to NJ.. LOL
We arrived in Orlando and caught up with the Magic Express (no luggage to worry with, Disney had it all taken care of) about 9am. We rode over to our hotel and checked in, again no lines! This was great... except........ our room wouldn't be ready until 3pm. Yuk! Fortunatly we packed our bathing suits, (the great book recommended that) so we waited by the pool. Suzanne and I had a few drinks at the bar and started planning our adventure for the week.
That evening after getting settled we took the monorail over to the Contemporary Resort and had dinner at Chef Mickey's where Mickey and friends paid us a visit.
Saturday... bright and early we headed for the Magic Kingdom.................
As we walked in the gates I transformed into a little kid again. I was in awe of it all. It was beautiful! The castle, the greenery, the light posts, the people, the EVERYTHING.... We saw it, we rode it and went to every show. One night we came back to the Magic Kingdom for the light show parade and fireworks. I just stood their holding back the tears. It was the most beautiful thing I have ever seen other than my newborn babies. We also stuck around for the firework show over the castle. Hunter fell asleep on the streets. I wish I could have taken his picture, but my camera was in the back pack which was up under his head. It was a Kodak moment, missed! We had dinner at the Crystal Palace where Tigger, Pooh, Eyore and Piglet came around for a visit.
Sunday morning we headed to Epcot:
We rode: Test track, Mission Space, Soarin' and went to Honey, I shrunk the audience. They were all awesome! We went to several 3D shows. Our favorite thing at Epcot was the beer for the men and the Margarita's for us women at every country. By the time we got to Japan we told the kids not to loose us! Suzanne and I decorated "free" masks and got our symbol at every country. We wanted the kids to do it but they wouldn't. The little kiddy cottages were hidden in the country's so we had a blast finding them. After reaching our final country, Mexico we headed for dinner at the Garden Grill. The whole resturant revolved. Chip n Dale came around and entertained us.
Monday we headed to MGM:
There, we rode the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 3 times! Gotta love those fast passes! We also rode the Rockin roller coaster with blasting music by Areosmith! It was a true thriller. My little Hunter was lovin it! He is a dare devil and I hold my breath entering every ride that he will make the height! So far no problems! We went and watched some cool shows, ate lunch at a pizza place with lots of video games. We gave the kids some down time. Not too much though.. we had to keep moving! I didn't want to miss not one thing! We caught a few more shows and then headed to the 50's prime time Cafe' for dinner! That was the best! The kids had to set the tables, elbows off the tables at all times and they had to clean their plates before desert. Oh my the food was awesome. Good ole home cooking. All of our meals were good and there was so much food! Each person always got an appetizer, dinner & desert!
Tuesday we went to Animal Kingdom.
Animal Kingdom for me = just another Zoo. It did however have some cool rides. It was just one of those Ok... places for me. We saw lots of animals and took a cool safari ride.
That evening we went over to the campground and went to Mickey's Backyard barbecue. We struck gold there. Mark & David had all you can drink beer! We had a great time watching everyone dance with the characters. Tyler was even asked to help the roper. He went up in the middle of the dance floor and learned how to rope. It was really neat! It was just a good ole' pig pickin....
Wednesday .... water park day aka: Watt's day to chill out.
My boys had just gone to a water park a few weekends before our departure to Disney. We went over to one of the water parks but all my crew wanted to do was float the lazy river. The Shotwell's however made a day of it. They love water parks. My crew headed back to the hotel for some down time. The boys had their "charactures" drawn = cartoon pictures of themselves.
After everyone came back we regrouped and went to dinner at MGM where we caught the Lights, Motors, Action show. That was real neat! Then we ate dinner at the Sci Fi dinner theater. yummy! In that resturant we sat in old 50's style cars while watching old movies on a huge big screen. It was like being in at the drive in movies!
Thursday..... we headed to Sea World to see Shamu and friends.
It was the hottest day of the week. Dangerously hot. If you bought a $7.00 seaworld cup you could fill it up with water for free or drinks for $1.00. We came out sweet on that deal! Seaworld was one of my favorites. We rode Krakin 2 times. Unfortunatly Hunter didn't make the trip, he was inches too short. The only ride thru our whole vacation that he couldn't ride and he was furious! The shows with Shamu, Seamore & Clyde show and dolphin show were... I just don't have words.. amazing, beautiful, entertaining.... a sight to see! We hit every indoor anything that we could to cool off. We also got to see the Budweiser horses saddling up to parade thru the park. And low and behold beside them was a "free" beer pavillion! Saved again...... It was a great day despite the heat. We ate at a resturant where sharks were swimming all around us. The food was... just ok... we paid for the atmosphere!
Friday..... departure day....I begged to stay at least one more week.
I pouted most of the morning and dragged my butt.. I didn't want to leave but I was over ruled by everyone! After 7 days of adventure it was the first time I had seen a smile on Mark Shotwell's face! LOL.. you just had to be there. Theme parks aren't his thing! We handed our luggage over to the Magic Express, loaded up and headed for Orlando International airport. We scooted right thru security and then did last minute shopping while settling in to wait for our flight. Our flight back was the trip from hell. The plane was at least 100 degrees. I am clusterfobick.. however you spell it, you get the point, and I was miserable. So miserable I threatened to get off the plane and rent a car to drive home. David settled me down and I made it. The boys went to sleep the minute the plane lifted off. Our flight was a little long due to rerouting around storms. All in all we landed safely and everyone was glad to be home but me.... I was back to reality and had to become an adult, a mom & a wife again.... The trip was a memorable one! I came home with no regrets, no, I wish I had done this or that. We saw it all and did it all..... Dreams really do come true at Disney!
First let me begin my recap by saying: Disney is the most magical place in the world. It ment alot for me to be able to take our family on this vacation. It has been a dream of mine from the moment I found out that I was pregnant with Michael. We are truely blessed to have been able to go on this vacation and I can only hope that my children will treasure it for a life time.
We began planning our trip a year ago. I made a budget and did alot of research. Mom & Dad gave us this wonderful book all about Disney. It had very useful tips and full of information from planning your day, to where to eat and how to NOT stand in line for rides. I talked to friends and found out their likes and dislikes of their trip to Disney, took notes and started compiling all the information. Suzanne and I sat down and went over everything. Finally in Feburary, we booked our trip. It was in stone! A month or so later we made dinner reservations at all the resturants people had recommended. That was very helpful. Several weeks before our trip, our tickets arrived and I knew soon we would be on our way! I was the most excited as I am a theme park junkie. I want to be there when it opens and dragged out when they shut the gates!
Our departure day started at 3:00am. My alarm woke up the boys and they in turn work me up with "hurry mom, get up, we can't miss the plane". Up on my feet and straight to the shower. We were at Mark & Suzanne's around 3:45, headed to RDU. We stopped for breakfast as the traffic was minimal and we were right on schedule. The traffic jam started at the airport. I've never seen so many people up so early! ughhhh... security had long lines, but it wasn't a problem because we had planned for it, hoping that it wouldn't be like it was.
Our plane ride was smooth.. no problems. Hunter & Michael told Dillon & Tyler everything they needed to know as they were now "flying" experts after their trip to NJ.. LOL
We arrived in Orlando and caught up with the Magic Express (no luggage to worry with, Disney had it all taken care of) about 9am. We rode over to our hotel and checked in, again no lines! This was great... except........ our room wouldn't be ready until 3pm. Yuk! Fortunatly we packed our bathing suits, (the great book recommended that) so we waited by the pool. Suzanne and I had a few drinks at the bar and started planning our adventure for the week.
That evening after getting settled we took the monorail over to the Contemporary Resort and had dinner at Chef Mickey's where Mickey and friends paid us a visit.
Saturday... bright and early we headed for the Magic Kingdom.................
As we walked in the gates I transformed into a little kid again. I was in awe of it all. It was beautiful! The castle, the greenery, the light posts, the people, the EVERYTHING.... We saw it, we rode it and went to every show. One night we came back to the Magic Kingdom for the light show parade and fireworks. I just stood their holding back the tears. It was the most beautiful thing I have ever seen other than my newborn babies. We also stuck around for the firework show over the castle. Hunter fell asleep on the streets. I wish I could have taken his picture, but my camera was in the back pack which was up under his head. It was a Kodak moment, missed! We had dinner at the Crystal Palace where Tigger, Pooh, Eyore and Piglet came around for a visit.
Sunday morning we headed to Epcot:
We rode: Test track, Mission Space, Soarin' and went to Honey, I shrunk the audience. They were all awesome! We went to several 3D shows. Our favorite thing at Epcot was the beer for the men and the Margarita's for us women at every country. By the time we got to Japan we told the kids not to loose us! Suzanne and I decorated "free" masks and got our symbol at every country. We wanted the kids to do it but they wouldn't. The little kiddy cottages were hidden in the country's so we had a blast finding them. After reaching our final country, Mexico we headed for dinner at the Garden Grill. The whole resturant revolved. Chip n Dale came around and entertained us.
Monday we headed to MGM:
There, we rode the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 3 times! Gotta love those fast passes! We also rode the Rockin roller coaster with blasting music by Areosmith! It was a true thriller. My little Hunter was lovin it! He is a dare devil and I hold my breath entering every ride that he will make the height! So far no problems! We went and watched some cool shows, ate lunch at a pizza place with lots of video games. We gave the kids some down time. Not too much though.. we had to keep moving! I didn't want to miss not one thing! We caught a few more shows and then headed to the 50's prime time Cafe' for dinner! That was the best! The kids had to set the tables, elbows off the tables at all times and they had to clean their plates before desert. Oh my the food was awesome. Good ole home cooking. All of our meals were good and there was so much food! Each person always got an appetizer, dinner & desert!
Tuesday we went to Animal Kingdom.
Animal Kingdom for me = just another Zoo. It did however have some cool rides. It was just one of those Ok... places for me. We saw lots of animals and took a cool safari ride.
That evening we went over to the campground and went to Mickey's Backyard barbecue. We struck gold there. Mark & David had all you can drink beer! We had a great time watching everyone dance with the characters. Tyler was even asked to help the roper. He went up in the middle of the dance floor and learned how to rope. It was really neat! It was just a good ole' pig pickin....
Wednesday .... water park day aka: Watt's day to chill out.
My boys had just gone to a water park a few weekends before our departure to Disney. We went over to one of the water parks but all my crew wanted to do was float the lazy river. The Shotwell's however made a day of it. They love water parks. My crew headed back to the hotel for some down time. The boys had their "charactures" drawn = cartoon pictures of themselves.
After everyone came back we regrouped and went to dinner at MGM where we caught the Lights, Motors, Action show. That was real neat! Then we ate dinner at the Sci Fi dinner theater. yummy! In that resturant we sat in old 50's style cars while watching old movies on a huge big screen. It was like being in at the drive in movies!
Thursday..... we headed to Sea World to see Shamu and friends.
It was the hottest day of the week. Dangerously hot. If you bought a $7.00 seaworld cup you could fill it up with water for free or drinks for $1.00. We came out sweet on that deal! Seaworld was one of my favorites. We rode Krakin 2 times. Unfortunatly Hunter didn't make the trip, he was inches too short. The only ride thru our whole vacation that he couldn't ride and he was furious! The shows with Shamu, Seamore & Clyde show and dolphin show were... I just don't have words.. amazing, beautiful, entertaining.... a sight to see! We hit every indoor anything that we could to cool off. We also got to see the Budweiser horses saddling up to parade thru the park. And low and behold beside them was a "free" beer pavillion! Saved again...... It was a great day despite the heat. We ate at a resturant where sharks were swimming all around us. The food was... just ok... we paid for the atmosphere!
Friday..... departure day....I begged to stay at least one more week.
I pouted most of the morning and dragged my butt.. I didn't want to leave but I was over ruled by everyone! After 7 days of adventure it was the first time I had seen a smile on Mark Shotwell's face! LOL.. you just had to be there. Theme parks aren't his thing! We handed our luggage over to the Magic Express, loaded up and headed for Orlando International airport. We scooted right thru security and then did last minute shopping while settling in to wait for our flight. Our flight back was the trip from hell. The plane was at least 100 degrees. I am clusterfobick.. however you spell it, you get the point, and I was miserable. So miserable I threatened to get off the plane and rent a car to drive home. David settled me down and I made it. The boys went to sleep the minute the plane lifted off. Our flight was a little long due to rerouting around storms. All in all we landed safely and everyone was glad to be home but me.... I was back to reality and had to become an adult, a mom & a wife again.... The trip was a memorable one! I came home with no regrets, no, I wish I had done this or that. We saw it all and did it all..... Dreams really do come true at Disney!
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Orlando International Airport... waiting for our departure back to reality.
"I'm beat, this is the most rest, I've gotten all week"
Dillon, Smiling because he knows he's going home.......If someone had of taken a picture of me at the airport I would have been frowning. I was the sadest. I could have stayed another week. Since we had arrived I was in the lead, where ever we went. On departure day, I drug up the tail end... I just didn't want to leave this magical place called... Disney
We can't hang another minute. The boys slept thru the whole entire plane ride back to RDU. This is one of those "kodak moments"
Like Father Like Son..... Mark & Tyler
The View From our Room at the Allstar Sports Motel....Would we stay anywhere else??? Not!
Our cozy little room...
Our cozy little room...
Sea World......
The Believe Show....staring Shamu
Strike a pose...
The Budweiser Clydsdale horses. They were a beautiful site. Decked out in 14K gold, pure leather attire.....
The light show at the Magic Kingdom.. It brought tears to my eyes. It is a sight to cherish and never forget
Cinderella and her Prince
Peter Pan
Sheww, thank you Mickey.. finally, all you can drink Beer compliments of Mickey's back yard barbecue
Oh my goodness.. finally a picture with Dillon smiling! (He was laughing at his brother learning a rope trick)
Mom's idol again, Minnie.... That's what I wanna be when I grow up, Minnie Mouse.
"It's a small world", this picture was taken for my mom. It's one of her favorites and I remember it from my childhood trip to Disney
The boys.. Watch out girls!
Michael, Aunt Linda (waitress) & Hunter. Our favorite resturant of all was the 50's Prime time Cafe at MGM. Everyone had to keep their elbows off the table, the boys had to set the table and everyone had to clear their plates before desert would be served. If you didn't obey the rules, everyone in the resturant would know it. It was awesome! We had the best time at that place and wished we could have gone back!
Anima Kingdom.... David, the monkey, (we can't remember his name) & Hunter
Mark, Tiger & Suzanne
Michael loved this phone booth in Epcot. He had seen them on many movies, but never one in real life..... He immediatly ran to it, screaming "take my picture"
David, Christy, Hunter & Michael at Epcot...
The thrill ride, Rockin Roller Coaster. Everyone rode, but Mark! He opted out! LOL
Our arrival day ended with dinner at Chef Mickey's where we got to eat with all the famous characters. (Hunter, Michael,Mickey & Tyler)
Me & Minnie.... She is my idol!
The Shotwell Family, our vacationing buddies!
Hunter and Stitch! When we asked Hunter who he wanted to see most, his answer was Stitch!
Disney Land, Here we come....
Waiting for our room
We are here....(left-right) Dillon, Michael, Tyler & Hunter
This is truely the most magical place on earth and we are really here!!Tara Kaye Parrett
Two of the proudest cousins in the world
Tara Kaye ParrettOn July 11th, 2007 we welcomed a new niece & cousin into our family.. She is so beautiful. The boys were overwhelmed by her. They patiently waited all week for her arrival. As soon as she was born we were at the hospital. They were her instant protectors!
Taking care of the baby
The kids at the babysitters this summer took on alot of responsiblity. Bucky was found at a neighboring farm stranded and almost dead. The kids nursed him back to health by feeding him from a bottle. Bucky played with the kids and entertained them most of the summer. He ran with them as they chase him and then he chased them. He swam in the pool and hung out on the deck watching their every move. Unfortunatly for the kids and myself, Bucky returned to the wild. He came for feedings for about a week but then was strong enough to go out on his own. The boys have spotted him on occation as he visits the edge of the woods, checking on the children I suppose and then returns to his natural habitat. It was truely an amazing experience!Summer Haircuts
Halifax County South Pitching Machine Tournament
Hunter's biggest fan, big brother.
Good ole Granny Granny. She never misses the boys games!
A proud Dad & CoachHunter got to play on a tournament team this year. He played on an 8 yr old and under machine pitch team composed of players from our league. David coached the team. These little fellows were awesome! Practice at first was a little slow and I was real worried. But the boys came together when it all counted. They ended up coming in 3rd. We never thought they would have gotten that far. Those boys were smacking the ball to the outfield, turning double plays and just working together as a team. David was one proud coach and father.
The tournament was played in Clarksville, so we camped all weekend. It was a wonderful experience for everyone involved. We got to meet alot of coaches from other areas and got to watch some great baseball!
Turbeville Elementary Closes
Well, low and behold our lovely Halifax County School board strikes again. Our school board closed Halifax school in March, redistricted all the kids and then turns around and slaps us all in the face again. Announcing the closing of Turbeville & Wilson Memorial. We were all devistated to say the least. I went to the meeting and spoke my opinion. The whole board is composed of a bunch of asses all the way to the world's biggest, Paul Stapleton, our Superintendent. He is a laughing joke! I won't get on my soap box but I think you get the idea. Another slap in the face to the citizens of Halifax County.
With this said, Michael will go to the Middle school as planned and Hunter will endure the over crowed, "new" Cluster springs Elementary. He is more excited than I. He will be with all his friends that he plays ball with and goes to church with. Me on the other hand, like the small community schools, not to mention, I will be going an additional 15 miles every morning. The schools enrollment will be about 640 kids, grades K-5.... Say a prayer.... I do dred school....
With this said, Michael will go to the Middle school as planned and Hunter will endure the over crowed, "new" Cluster springs Elementary. He is more excited than I. He will be with all his friends that he plays ball with and goes to church with. Me on the other hand, like the small community schools, not to mention, I will be going an additional 15 miles every morning. The schools enrollment will be about 640 kids, grades K-5.... Say a prayer.... I do dred school....
Michael Graduates from Elementary School
Grandmamma & Graddaddy made a surprize visit from NJ to attend Michael's graduation. We bought Michael a cell phone for graduation. Mom & Dad called him from our carport apologizing for not being able to attend his graduation and then walking in his room as they were about to say good-bye. It was a Kodak moment!
A proud graduate!
He did it! Here is Michael getting his diploma from Turbeville. This is his awesome teacher. She was a true inspiration to him! We are proud!2007 Baseball recap
Baseball this year for the Watts' crew was just as exciting as any other. Michael's team came in first place for the season, while David & Hunter's team placed 4th. Both boys had a great season. Michael finally hit one over, but it was only in practice. He usually pulled out doubles and even a few triples every now and then. His hitting really improved alot.
Hunter was right in the game. He pitched, played short stop and wherever else he was needed. His hitting was strong. He was nailing those older pitchers. He had the prettiest slide in the league. Whether he needed to or not, he always slid across home plate.
Michael did not play all-stars this year as our trip to Disney would cause him to miss the first game of the state tournament, if they were to make it that far. Unfortunatly the team he would have played with didn't even make it out of the sub-district. His teal last year however made it to state and finished 2nd. We kept dibbs on those games while in Florida.
